Sporotrichosis is caused by pathogenic fungi in the genus Sporothrix. This mycosis affects humans and several animal species, principally cats. Infection generally occurs by traumatic inoculation of contaminated soil, plants, and organic matter into skin or mucosa. Other form of infection includes zoonotic transmission, which has been associated with scratches or bites from animals. Cats and armadillos are most commonly reported as causing zoonotic transmission of Sporothrix sp.. Human's infections have also been associated with mice, rats, squirrels, horses and dogs, although without a significant zoonotic potential. Since the 1980s, the transmission of Sporothrix sp. from sick cats has been increasingly reported. Cats are a proven source of infection, demonstrated by the isolation of the fungus from nails, nasal and oral cavities, and from cutaneous lesions, which usually present a high fungal burden. These animals are associated with the first and long-lasting epidemic of zoonotic sporotrichosis, which is described in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Veterinarians and owners of cats are the main population at risk for the acquisition of the disease. In addition, the harms and risks associated with the propagation of sporotrichosis as an opportunistic infection among HIV-infected patients must be emphasized, especially in overlapping endemic areas.